Pendants light Manufacturer Collaborated with Renowned Swedish Designer to Create Line of Four New Fixtures
Introducing Alma, a collaboration between Original BTC Director Charlie Bowles and Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman, combining the lighting manufacturer’s best-of-British approach and ethos with Heuman’s inimitable eye for design and detail. Launching this September, the four-piece collection evolved from Beata’s first design, the go-anywhere table light, with its adjustable, slightly oversize shade, brass arm, and retro-style dimmer. This is Original BTC’s first collaboration in 30 years and Beata’s first, having been drawn to the brand’s simplicity and reassuringly good quality.
Briefed to design a practical collection of go-anywhere ceramic fittings, the process began with a trip to Original BTC’s Stoke-on-Trent factory. Bone china’s natural properties, and its expert handling, sowed the seeds for the Alma shade, with Beata keen to introduce stripes of color to the typically pure white material. “I was inspired by the brand itself, both in terms of manufacturing processes and materials,” explains Heuman. “Before my visit, I didn’t appreciate how each shade is worked on by hand, lovingly passed from person to person before it goes into the kiln.”
Named for her daughter, Alma, the resulting shade is one of the most labor-intensive to date, featuring 41 hand-made holes which when lit, says Beata, look like little glowing stars at night. Nodding to mid-century Scandinavian designs in pop colors, the hand-painted shade and base are presented in three colorways: “Seaweed is masculine and moody, Natural is just that, while Coral is a dot above the “I” in an interiors scheme.”
“Beata was keen for the product to age, hence our use of unlacquered polished brass, which over time will patina and build its own character. From the dimmer and arm to the effect of the perforated shade, these unexpected details very much reflect Beata’s input and show her development of our signature details and look.” Continues Bowles, “It’s a clear meeting of Original BTC x Beata Heuman. The full flavors of both brands are so clear to see, and it’s a truly beautiful product. Just as I’d hoped–but better!”
The Floor Light retails for $2,599, the Table Light retails for $1,399, the Pendant Light retails for $999, and the Wall Light retails between $999 and $1,199 with options for a dimmer switch and cable. The fixtures are available for purchase at the company’s New York showroom or through originalbtc.com.
About Original BTC
Established in 1990 by Peter Bowles, Original BTC began life as an Oxford-based home lighting brand and has secured two further lighting brands; heritage marine lighting manufacturer Davey Lighting and LED lighting manufacturer Beadlight, under its umbrella. Exports account for 50% of the production, supplying both the retail and contract markets around the world with an emphasis on the hotel, restaurant, and aeronautical industries. With a family history steeped in retail, manufacturing, and design, Peter designs the company’s products in conjunction with his son Charlie who became Director in 2012. Quality, detail, and an interesting mix of materials are integral to each brand’s designs. From using centuries old techniques to the very latest technology, all lights are handmade and manufactured in the UK. Additional information on Original BTC is available at originalbtc.com
